What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingMethylparaben
PreservativeEthylparaben
PreservativeCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientMorus Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningDimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Retinyl Palmitate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Propylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Laurate, Salicylic Acid, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Carbomer, Medicago Sativa Extract, Polysorbate 20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Butylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-6
HumectantCitrus Grandis Peel Extract
AstringentMorus Nigra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningGentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingErgothioneine
AntioxidantWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientDi-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingIsohexadecane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
AbrasiveCaffeine
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol
AntioxidantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Rna
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-8
HumectantLecithin
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTin Oxide
AbrasiveDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningCalcium Chloride
AstringentSea Whip Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG-6, Citrus Grandis Peel Extract, Morus Nigra Root Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Algae Extract, Plankton Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Glycerin, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Faex Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Ergothioneine, Whey Protein, Polysorbate 20, Micrococcus Lysate, Cholesterol, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Isohexadecane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Caffeine, Glycine Soja Protein, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Tromethamine, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Rna, Squalane, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-8, Lecithin, Hexylene Glycol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Tin Oxide, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 14700, CI 77891, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Calcium Chloride, Sea Whip Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPalmitoyl Oligopeptide is a form of peptide. It is created by blending peptides with palmitic acid. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
This ingredients tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl OligopeptidePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate